EAST PROVIDENCE — The district has access to and continues to explore ways of utilizing a portion of the balance of upwards of some $7.4 million in new East Providence High School construction funding.

District Finance Director Craig Enos, who also sits on the Building Committee subgroup, provided the updated figures to the full School Committee at its June 11 meeting.

The balance is on the initial $189.5 million backed by voters and reimbursed by the state to construct the new EPHS beginning in the summer of 2019.

Enos confirmed the Building Committee, at its monthly meeting the night prior, had approved 27 expenditures at a purported total cost of $3.2 million.

Enos said the Building Committee continues to compile a "list of capital expenditures," calling it an "ongoing process to follow in the coming months."

A couple of specific items to be undertaken were mentioned at the School Committee forum including the repair of a roof leak affecting directly a fourth floor classroom. District Facilities Director Chris Murphy mentioned the fix was expected to begin the week of Monday, June 17.

In addition, Murphy said a plan is being put into place to convert a few parking spaces in the rear of the high school near the "halftime hut" at Townie Stadium into handicap accessible spots.

Murphy noted the nearest handicap spaces are currently adjacent to the greenhouse about 100 yards away from the stadium entrance, which, he said, "is a little bit too far away for handicap folks to transport themselves to the field in they want to view at the multi-use stadium."

Field upgrades
Murphy and Enos both mentioned the Building Committee has begun reviewing the possible construction of a new permanent seating behind the backstops at both the high school baseball and softball diamonds. An attempt to include toilets closer to the seating area is also being discussed.

Murphy said of the field seating and bathroom matters, "There seems to be a rising concern in the community that we are going to begin consideration."

Reached after the meetings for comment, Joel Monteiro, the co-chair of the Building Committee with Manny Vinhateiro, said It was "too early" to get into specifics, like the number of seats and cost, about the field proposal.

Monteiro added, "The Building Committee is in support of the request for additional seating, considering different quantities. We need to consult with the architects to confirm that the area can safely and functionally support the necessary foundation."

More project updates
Murphy's monthly facilities report included several other projects his department is overseeing, beginning at Riverside Middle School where renovations of the science lab and media center are "progressing as expected with minimal issues or interruptions."

Also at RMS, he said the new story "storefront" windows that highlight media center/library are starting to be installed.

Murphy said two matters affecting the administration building (old career and tech center) on the high school grounds are being addressed.

A delivery truck recently struck a soffit on the building. The company has assumed responsibility for the damage and is working through its insurer on the repay. Also a roof leak on the south-end of the building has been identified and corrected and minor interior clean-up has been completed.

Projects at three of the district's elementary schools were slated to begin in earnest this week, on June 17.

The significant renovation of Waddington building will commence on that date. Murphy said two 40-foot containers are currently on property to store teaching materials and furniture with a third likely to be required. Enos referred the project at the Riverside building as "Summer Slam 1." The second phase of the plan is expected to take place at the conclusion of the 2024-25 term.

"We certainly appreciate the assistance of the teachers from Waddington in the back of the building who have to pack up all their stuff. It's quite a task and we certainly appreciate all the help and assistance they've given us," Enos added.

Murphy said the boiler replacement effort at Francis is expected to begin with the demolition of the existing apparatus. After clean-up, the installation of the new boiler and other required parts will begin in early July.

And the Orlo Avenue courtyard renovation plan, including the installation of new fencing, will begin as the 2023-24 term ends.